Hi, I’m Kris. ✌
I am a designer, storyteller, and NBA Champion.
My 12-plus year visual design career includes in-house, commercial work in the sports, entertainment, and tech startup industry with brands such as the NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks, Kohl’s Corporation, NCAA Division I sports, Hello Kitty, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Nickelodeon.
My creative toolset includes Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Canva, Figma, Unreal Engine, Blender, Reason Music Studio, good ol’ fashioned paper+pencil, and a lot of for my craft.
Storytelling through design.
That’s my philosophy.
Successful design can dramatically shift tone and mood to connect with a viewer’s wants and aspirations. My designs strive to relate on an authentic, human level and provide a sense of purpose for both the viewer and the brand. I look for ways to push boundaries and subvert expectations while still delivering clear and concise messaging. With experience through a variety of industries and mediums, I aim to develop myself while being a fun and thoughtful teammate.
Current & Past Experience
Lead Designer, RECUR Brand & Experiences / RECUR, Inc.
2022–2023 (See Work)
- Developed creative look, motion graphics, digital ads, email, social media, logo design, print, event signage, pitch decks, web UX/UI mockups, prototypes, and collateral assets for partners including the NCAA Sports, Nickelodeon, Hello Kitty, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Care Bears, and Star Trek
- Participated and collaborated in marketing brainstorms with internal team as well as external agencies and stakeholders
- Executed a full rebrand of the company to re-invent its voice, tone, industry aesthetics, and aspirations as a growing startup
Lead Graphic Designer / Milwaukee Bucks
2019–2022 (See Work)
- Developed creative look, art direction, and production of the Milwaukee Bucks regular season, G-League, Summer League, Pro Shop, NBA All-Star, NBA Playoffs, NBA Finals, and NBA Championship
- Designed and produced digital creative both in-arena, out-of-home, social media, and online ads
- “History in the Making” atrium banner at Fiserv Forum
- 2021 Milwaukee Bucks official NBA Championship logo and championship banner design
- Concept and production for Bucks City and Statement Jersey launches
- Apparel design for retail, player on-court warmups, and gameday giveaways
- Logo design
- Motion graphics and video production
- Print design and production
- Music production
- Video editing support
- Design mentoring for junior designers, interns, and students
Interactive & Web Designer / Milwaukee Art Museum
2010–2015, 2018–2019 (See Work)
- Shot, edited, and produced in-house video, TV spots, b-roll and motion graphics for television, web, and social media
- Created unique microsites for traveling exhibitions
- Managed and innovated Milwaukee Art Museum homepage and sub-domains
- Composed and recorded unique music for each traveling exhibition
- Managed email marketing campaigns
Motion Graphics & Digital Designer / Kohl’s Corporation
2016–2018 (See Work)
- Brainstormed and produced motion graphics for Kohl’s and its in-store brands including Nike, Amazon, Star Wars, NFL, and Disney
- Worked alongside aforementioned IP to enforce brand consistency in their voice and tone throughout their presence on Kohl’s social media channels
- Storyboarded and provided art direction for in-studio photo and video shoots
- Collaborated in developing the creative look and branding for Kohl’s new in-house brands and inclusion initiatives
Digital Marketing Manager / VISIT Milwaukee
2015–2016 (See Work)
- Designed and produced campaign-specific creative, motion graphics and video for pre-roll and social media
- Planned, created, and edited web pages for the VISIT Milwaukee network
- Ensured enhanced and improved online user experience via all digital marketing channels, including websites, microsites, landing pages, mobile and social media
- Streamlined VISIT Milwaukee’s email communications
- Assisted in managing project timelines, budgets, site design, UX/UI, web analytics, and strategy
- Oversaw implementation and improvements to SEO strategy
- Managed day-to-day operation of SEM/PPC programs
- Assisted all departments with digital marketing projects
- Worked directly with partners, festivals, and convention clients to meet digital marketing needs
- Collaborated on and reviewed annual Official Visitors Guide and Map
Motion Graphics and Graphic Designer / Miltown Beatdown (Seasonal)
2010–2015 (See Work)
- Rebranded event to appeal to sponsors and advertising
- Responsible for video production and motion graphics for event teaser trailers, as well as unique title cards for each sponsor and competitor
Graphic Designer / Racine Raiders Minor League Football Team (Seasonal)
2012-Current (See Work)
- Rebranded organization to meet new marketing strategy and reach new audiences
- Responsible for photo editing and graphic design for print and web, including t-shirts, player trading cards, schedules, signage, billboard ads, and social media graphics and banners
- Video editing and motion graphics for web and social media
Awards
Platinum Award
2016
MarCom Awards
Award of Distinction
2016
Videographer Awards
Saturday Session DJ Set of the Year
2011
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2004–2008
BFA, Digital Studio Practice (Graphic Design and Interactive Digital Media)
